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A gentleman originally from Denmark wished for low-maintenance landscaping and a clean feel for his 1948 home in Montreal.

The wall surface was covered with dirty light beige stucco. A warm pearl grey tone, in a matte finish, paired with the multi-tone charcoal roof shingles felt more harmonious. The existing vertical gutter pipes and vents would also adopt the same tint. In the same palette, in a shade slightly darker, new Shaker-style narrow louvres would dress up the façade without instilling a distracting contrast. All white elements will be refreshed with a coat of matte crisp white paint. Lattices were sandwiched between the glass panes so the windows will remain white.

The small casement on the dormer would look more integrated and would pull together the overall design if matching patterns were installed from the inside. Above, the decorative lozenge ought to be removed.

The ample custom-made flower boxes would be constructed so that their width could equal the length of the openings. The nine inches or more height of these planters could accommodate any blossoming pink annuals, but I opted for Solenostemon Kingswood Torch. Their fuchsia and burgundy foliage trimmed with a lime border can compete with any flowering plant. They can also be brought indoors for winter to be re-introduced in spring.

The white wooden trims, on each side of the door will stay put, but the top part will be replaced by a simpler rectangular shape. The new merlot simple door will stand in place of the sombre one pierced with a diamond-like window.

Levelled with the base of the door and as large as the porch extension, a generous floor and three wide stairs would be framed by subtle licorice coloured railings and charcoal rectangular wood handrails. These would provide a secure descent to an ample main pathway.

To limit the amount and cost of expensive stones, paving blocks or concrete slabs, elongated flower beds will border the walkways while still giving an illusion of grandeur. They will be filled with persistent and scented pink thyme.

A second thinner path leading to the driveway would naturally form a large bed near the building. The botanical composition will consist of a hedge of pink blooming shrubs placed alongside the foundation, tricolour perennials closely packed to the front of the porch wall and a carpet of everlasting shiny dark green ground cover massed all the way to the path.

The tapered porch roof overhang and the door position are somewhat asymmetrical, but not enough to make an architectural statement. To compensate for that small offset, a tall planter in a medium grey hue, filled with burgundy pink ornamental grasses will contribute to a shift to a favourable balanced look. Vertical digits placed flush to the top of the door moulding and centred with the taller grey mailbox will also help counterweight all elements. Like a jewel, a new simple glass sconce (with a clear bulb), centred on the left wall will enhance the entryway during daytime and the ever dancing colourful grass blades at night.

Leggy perennial hedges, planted on the side walls of the house, will catch the eye with their long, repetitive pink candles.

With the help of an electrician, wiring of the new matching lamp post (not shown here) will have to be extended close to the driveway, to the exterior border of the secondary walkway.

Inside the main flower bed, a medium-sized tree will replicate the wine tone of the front door right after its metamorphosis from its new growth of fresh green foliage. If the saturation of pink is too strong for the minimalist taste of our owner; flourishing thyme, Vaccinium ground cover, as well as blossoming annuals in the flower boxes, if desired, can also be found in white and would diminish the effect of colour.

A yearly layering of leafy compost at the base of Heuchera plantings will beautify their colourful persistent foliage.

Finally, a thick layer of black mulch would serve as shade for the roots, retain moisture and keep the pesky weeds at bay.

Most homes can use a little bit of help when it comes to warming up their curb appeal. If you would like some inexpensive ideas on how to improve the appearance of your home, send a clear photo of your house with your commentary to: Suzanne Rowe, Designer, suro@bell.net

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